A study just released in the The Lancet, Britain’s leading medical journal, found that where a baby is placed during the 2-3 minutes between birth and delayed cord clamping (DCC) doesn’t seem to matter. The researchers found that all the babies in the study (500+) received the same amount of blood from the placenta, whether they were placed at the level of the birth canal (e.g., being held by the obstetrician or midwife) or placed on the mother’s abdomen or chest. The authors’ conclusion:

Position of the newborn baby before cord clamping does not seem to affect volume of placental transfusion. Mothers could safely be allowed to hold their baby on their abdomen or chest. This change in practice might increase obstetric compliance with the procedure, enhance maternal-infant bonding, and decrease iron deficiency in infancy.

So, as long suspected by DCC advocates, there’s no problem with immediate skin-to-skin placement.

3 responses to “More good cord-clamping news!”

Good news! For 20+ years I have delayed cord clamping for all babies, unless it is impossible. Babies born with their mothers in the water, on a stool, on the bed in hands and knees, standing, squatting….it works! It helps the baby have a gradual transition and saves them from anemia also!